Physical geolocation system

ABSTRACT

A real-time system for determining the geographic movements of an individual or object by sampling particulates contained thereon. The system includes particle collection, sample preparations, and sample analysis using three primary modes of detecting certain particulates. The first mode involves the imaging of pollen, spores, or other biological material which are visible through a light microscope when properly stained or prepared. The second mode involves the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction to amplify and detect target nucleic acid sequences. The third mode involves the use of X-ray diffraction to identify mineral particles. The results from any mode, or any combination of modes, are analyzed by comparison to a reference database containing geographic information and the results are compiled by a controller for visual display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/518,109, filed on Nov. 7, 2003 and entitled “PhysicalGeolocation System.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the verification of geographic locationinformation and, more specifically, to a system for determining thegeographic travel history of an object or individual based on ananalysis of particulates contained thereon.

2. Description of Prior Art

As worldwide commerce and travel continues to expand, there is anincreased need to determine the geographic travel history of anindividual or object that crosses geographic, political, or nationalborders. Determining the international transit of persons and/or objectscan be important for the purposes of maintaining security, insuring thesafety of food shipments and agricultural products, or merely verifyingthe authenticity of travel documents and shipping records.

Conventional particulate analysis involves the manual collection ofparticulates and analysis by skilled technicians using a lightmicroscope of other analytical techniques. This process requires days toimplement and results in the distribution of outdated information.

3. Objects and Advantages

It is a principal object and advantage of the present invention toprovide a system for determining the geographic travel history of anindividual or object that uses objective measurements.

It is an additional object and advantage of the present invention toprovide a system for determining the geographic travel history of anindividual or object that relies on stable and tenacious data sources.

It is a further object and advantage of the present invention to providea system for determining the geographic travel history of an individualor object that relies on data sources that are otherwise unnoticed.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will in part beobvious, and in part appear hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a geographic location system comprising thecollection of microscopic particulates deposited on or entrapped in anindividual or object when moving through a geographic region and theanalysis of the microscopic particulates to determine which geographicregions the individual or object has contacted. The microscopicparticulates can comprise pollen, fungal spores, soil/clay minerals, orDNA-bearing organisms that vary based on geographic locale. Theseparticulates are generally distributed in the atmosphere, stable, andreadily adhere to individuals or objects. As different regions producevarying pollens, spores, and minerals, geographic information about anindividual or object may be gleaned from the particular types ofparticulates. Additionally, as pollen and spore types can varyseasonally, temporal information may also be extracted from an analysisof embedded particulates to build a comprehensive travel history.

The geographical location system comprises the use of some or all of aseries of operative modules: a particle collection module, a samplepreparation module, an image analysis module, a DNA analysis module, anX-ray diffraction (XRD) module, a controller module, and a databasemodule. One, two, or all three of the analytical modules can be used toachieve geolocation. The data extracted from these various modules iscompared against a Physical Geolocation System database havingpollen/spore images, DNA sequences, and XRD spacing for variousparticles, as well as information on geographic distribution necessaryfor developing a travel history.

The particle collection module comprises a high volume air sampler thatgenerates an aqueous suspension of collected particles in a given airsample. The air sample can be ambient air, air in a confined space (suchas a shipping container, tractor trailer, or piece of luggage), or airpassed over a person or object. Instead of an air sampler, the particlecollection module may comprise the use of a sterile swab or implement tocollect particulates from the surface of an object or person. Theparticles from the swab may then be placed in an aqueous solution forfurther processing.

The liquid sample generated by the particle collection module is passedto the sample preparation module, which divides the sample intosub-samples and treats it for analysis by the various analysis modules.For example, a sub-sample destined for image analysis will be treatedwith dyes, a sub-sample destined for DNA analysis will be purified andhave target DNA isolated. One sub-sample may be archived for lateranalysis or re-analysis if necessary.

The image analysis module comprises an automatic microscope systemincluding a microscope, automatic motorized stage, charged-coupleddevice (CCD) camera, and controller. The image analysis moduleautomatically acquires images of pollen and spores for comparison to theimage database. The image analysis module passes pollen and/or sporeidentification to the controller.

The DNA analysis module comprises a real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR) system for evaluation of the sample through rational PCR primerand probe combinations that target 18S ribosomal genes or otherdiscriminatory genes. Other DNA analytical approaches (e.g., real timeTerminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (TRFLP) analysis) maybe incorporated as they become available. The DNA analysis module passesplant/fungi identification information to the controller.

The XRD module comprises a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) scanning XRDdevice for providing rapid, high-definition diffraction spacings of thesample. The spacings are compared to a source database to determinemineral composition and then screened against worldwide soil mineralogydatabases. The XRD module passes soil identification to the controllermodule.

The controller module coordinates, collects, interprets, and displaysthe information provided by the forgoing modules. The information may bedisplayed as a map of areas consistent with the analyses, as well astext describing the types of pollen, spores, and minerals andstatistical confidence values.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a physical geolocation system accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a physical geolocation system displayaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a real-time monitoring system accordingto the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like partsthroughout, there is seen in FIG. 1 a physical geolocation system 10according to the present invention for rapidly collecting and analyzingparticulates collected from a person or object. System 10 comprises aparticle collection module 12 for physically collecting particles from atarget individual or object, such as a shipping container, piece ofluggage, or agricultural product. Particle collection module 12 includesa high volume air sampler for generating an aqueous suspension ofcollected particles from a given air sample. The air sample taken can beambient air, air in a confined space (such as a shipping container,tractor trailer, or piece of luggage), or air passed over a person orobject. Acceptable samplers include the SpinCon of Sceptor Industriesand the M-Vac of Rocky Mountain Labs. Particle collection module 12 mayalso comprise a sterile swab or implement for collecting theparticulates from the surface of a person or object. The particles fromthe swab may then be placed in an aqueous solution for furtherprocessing according to the present invention.

The liquid sample 14 generated by particle collection module 12 is thenpreferably distributed robotically by a fluid handling module 16 to asample preparation module 18 for ensuring sample integrity andminimizing cross-contamination. A Gilson Multiple Probe 215 LiquidHandler may serve as fluid handling module 16.

Sample preparation module 18 is responsible for preparing sample 14 foreach of the primary forms of analysis used to screen for particleshaving biological and geological (i.e., soil) significance. Liquidsample 14 is separated by sample preparation module 18 into sub-samples20, 22, and 24 for individual analysis by an image analysis module 26, aDNA analysis module 28, and an XRD module 30. For example, sub-sample 20is treated with dyes to enhance imaging, sub-sample 22 is treated toisolate and purify and DNA contained therein, and sub-sample 24 isprepared for x-ray diffraction.

Additional sub-samples (not shown) may be archived for delayed analysisor analysis by other methods, or even for re-analysis if necessary. Toeliminate cross-sample contamination, system 10 handles all samples andsub-sample as discrete units; all sample collection and processing isdone via robotic transfer of these discrete units, and all modulesmaintain sample integrity. An acceptable sample preparation module 18 isthe Cyberlab C-400 system, manufactured by Gilson, Inc. of Middleton,Wis.

After treatment with appropriate dyes, sub-sample 20 is provided toimage analysis module 26. Image analysis module 26 comprises aconventional microscope having an automatic motorized stage foraccepting sample 14 and an attached CCD camera for recording images.Image analysis module 26 may comprise another type of platform that doesnot depend on motorized stages or conventional microscope architecturesas long as the microscope is capable of automated image acquisition.Image analysis module 26 automatically acquires images of stained pollenand spores in sample 14 for comparison to a database 32 containingpreviously identified pollen and spore images and data. Once anidentification is made by cross-checking the image of sub-sample 26 withimages stored in database 32, image analysis module 26 communicates thepollen/spore identification information to a controller module 34. Imageinformation for database 32 may be obtained or collected from pollenimage databases such as PalDat of the Department of UltrastructureResearch and Palynology, University of Vienna, Austria, or several otherknown databases.

After isolation and purification of DNA in sub-sample 22 by samplepreparation module 18, DNA analysis module 28 performs real-timepolymerase chain (PCR) using rational PCR primer and probe combinationsthat target 18S ribosomal genes or other discriminatory genes (oranother analytical approach such as TRFLP) to identify the presence ofparticular pollen and/or spore DNA identification in sub-sample 34. DNAanalysis module 60 identifies the type of pollen and spores present insub-sample 34 by comparing the results of PCR with plant DNA sequencedata stored in database 32, and then communicates the identityinformation to controller module 34. A MacConnell Mini Prep system fromMacConnell Research Corp., San Diego, Calif. may provide DNA extractionand preparation for DNA analysis module 60. The Chromo 4 system from MJResearch, Waltham, Mass., may serve as real-time DNA analysis module 28.Genetic information for database 36 may be compiled from gene sequenceresources such as GenBank, the National Institutes of Health (NIH)genetic sequence database and the Ribosomal Database Project (RDP) ofMichigan State University.

Sub-sample 24 is provided to an XRD analysis module 30 comprising a COTSscanning XRD device. XRD analysis module 30 device provides rapid,high-definition diffraction spacings of mineral in sub-sample 24 forcomparison to known mineral spacings stored in database 32 to determinemineral composition and geographic information. XRD analysis module 30provides mineral identification and geographic information to controllermodule 34. A Bede D1 diffraction system from Bede Scientific Inc.,Englewood, Colo. may be used as XRD analysis module 30. XRD informationfor database 36 may be obtained or collected from the InternationalCentre for Diffraction Data database.

Controller module 34 coordinates, collects, and interprets theinformation provided by image analysis module 26, DNA analysis module28, XRD module 30, and database module 32. Using the identityinformation provided by image analysis module 26, DNA analysis module28, XRD analysis module 30, and data stored in database module 32,controller 34 can compile geographic locations from the known geographicterritories for identified particulates for visual display 36. As seenin FIG. 2, information derived by the foregoing modules that iscollected and interpreted by controller module 34 may be displayed bymapping an area that is consistent with the analyses, as well asproviding text that describes the types of pollen, spores, and mineralswith appropriate statistical confidence values.

Physical geolocation system 10 may be used in a host of agriculturalapplications. For example, physical geolocation system 10 can determinethe probable country of origin for imported fruits and vegetables,thereby determining treatment under the North American Free TradeAgreement (NAFTA). By determining the probable country of origin,officials will also be able to determine if the agricultural items mustbe quarantined or even destroyed, based on their knowledge ofagricultural problems in other countries. For example, physicalgeolocation system 10 can be used to screen agricultural products thatoriginate from a geographic region having food-related medical problems,such as hoof-and-mouth disease.

Physical geolocation system 10 may also be used to interrogateindividuals as they enter a country. By compiling a real-time travelhistory, customs officials can make security decisions based onobjective information about the recent whereabouts of a suspiciousperson, rather than relying on subject measures, such a racialprofiling.

Physical geolocation system 10 may be modified to serve as a real-timemonitoring system 10A, for providing real-time agricultural data toscientists and the public, or real-time allergen analysis to scientistsand the public. Operation of real-time monitoring system 10A is similarto physical geolocation system 10, except that database 32 containsrecords of pollens, spores, bacteria, allergenic compounds, andpotential pathogens having agricultural, biological, or healthsignificance, rather than geographic territories. By cross-checkingsamples against the modified database, pollen and spores fromneighboring geographic locations, known allergens, pollen or DNA frominvasive or pest plant species, or spores associated with pathogenicfungal species can be detected, identified and reported.

A network of real-time monitoring systems 10A that communicate with ortransmit data to a central controller 38 can identify the presence of apotential plant or livestock disease outbreak or provide an earlywarning to the proper authorities. A network of real-time monitoringsystems 10A deployed across a geographic or agricultural region alsopermits the real-time sampling, identification, and reporting ofairborne agricultural pathogens, including intentionally releasedorganisms in the event of a bio-terrorism event. The advanced warning ofa possible outbreak provided by a network of real-time monitoringsystems 10A allows enhanced planning to more effectively treatpotentially affected crops or livestock.

Real-time monitoring systems 10A may also provide early warning of weedor other undesirable plant infestations. By determining changes in thedistribution of pollens identified from a network of real-timemonitoring systems 10A, the future density and distribution of unwantedplant species can be estimated and consulted when making eradicationand/or control decisions.

Real-time monitoring systems 10A may also provide real-time allergendata to allergy suffers. For allergy applications, samples of ambientair are taken and digital images, DNA sequences, and XRD data of theparticulate content are identified and crosschecked against availablepollen and fungal spore allergen morphology, pollen and spore DNAdatabases, and diffraction data stored in database 32. Identifiedallergens are reported along with a measure of their concentration(frequency of occurrence). Real-time analysis of allergens will allowthe healthcare community to more readily associate allergens withsymptoms and offer targeted treatments.

1. A system for determining the geographic history of a target, comprising: a sample preparation module for preparing particles collected from a target for analysis; at least one analysis module interconnected to said sample preparation module for collecting information about said particles and identifying said particles based on said collected information; and a controller interconnected to said at least one analysis module for determining the geographic history of said target based on the identity of said particles.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a particle collection module for collecting particles from said target.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said particle collection module comprises a high volume air sampler.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein said particle collection module comprises a swab for collecting particles from said target.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein said high volume air sampler generates an aqueous suspension of said particles.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said sample preparation module comprises an automated sample preparation workstation.
 7. The system of claim 2, further comprising a fluid handler for robotically distributing an aqueous suspension of said particles to said sample preparation module.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein said sample preparation module comprises means for dividing said aqueous suspension into sub-samples.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one analysis module comprises a DNA analysis module.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one analysis module comprises an image analysis module.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein said at least one image analysis module comprises an automated microscopic imaging system.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein said automated microscopic imaging system comprises: a microscope for viewing said particles; an automated stage for receiving said particles from said sample preparation module and positioning said particles for viewing by said microscope; and a CCD camera interconnected to said microscope for capturing an image of said particles.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one analysis module comprises a DNA analysis module.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein said DNA analysis module comprises a real-time polymerase chain reaction for amplifying genetic material contained in said particles.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one analysis module comprises an XRD module.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein said x-ray diffraction module comprises a COTS scanning device for generating high-definition diffraction spacings of said particles.
 17. The system of claim 1, further comprising a database interconnected to said at least one analysis module and said controller, wherein said database contains identifying information about said particles and geographic information about said particles.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein said at least one analysis module compares said particles to said data and determines the identity of said particles.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein said controller determines the geographic history of said target by retrieving geographic information about said particles from said database.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein said at least one analysis module comprises: an automated microscopic imaging system; a DNA analysis system; and an x-ray diffraction system.
 21. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display interconnected to said controller for displaying a map of the geographic history of said target.
 22. A system for monitoring a predetermined geographic location for the appearance of a foreign particle, comprising: a particle collection module for collecting a sample from said geographic location; a sample preparation module interconnected to said particle collection module for receiving said sample and preparing said sample for analysis; and at least one analysis module interconnected to said sample preparation module for collecting information about said sample and comparing said collected information against a database to determine the identity of particles in said sample; and a controller for determining whether said particles are foreign said geographic location.
 23. The system of claim 22, further comprising a transmitter interconnected to controller for transmitting the identity of particles in said sample to a central controller.
 24. A method of determining the geographic history of a target, comprising the steps of: collecting a sample of particles from said target; identifying at least one particle in said sample; and determining the geographic history of said target based on said identification of said at least one particle.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein said step of collecting a sample of particles from said target comprises taking a high volume air sample and forming an aqueous suspension of said particles.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein said step of collecting a sample of particles from said target comprises swabbing said target to collect said particles and transferring said particles to an aqueous solution.
 27. The method of claim 25, wherein said step of identifying at least one particle in said sample comprises the steps of: dividing said aqueous sample into a plurality of sub-samples; collecting information about each said sub-sample; and comparing said collected information to a database containing information about said at least one particle to identify said at least one particle.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of collecting information about each said sub-sample comprises the steps of: imaging any stainable structures in said particles in at least one sub-sample; amplifying any genetic material in said particles in at least one sub-sample; and performing an x-ray diffraction of at least one sub-sample.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of comparing said collected information to a database containing information about said at least one particle to identify said at least one particle, comprises the steps of: compiling said collected information from each at least one sub-sample; retrieving identifying information from said database; and matching said identifying information to said collected information to identify said at least one particle in said aqueous sample.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the step of determining the geographic history of said target based on said identification of said at least one particle comprises the steps of: cross-referencing the identity of each said at least one particle with a database containing geographic information about each said at least one particle; and calculating the geographic history of said target based on the geographic information of each said at least one particle identified in said aqueous sample. 